SUNDAY • DECEMBER 21, 2025
“Prepare the Way: The Shepherd’s Surprise” Luke 2:8-20
Preaching
Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene
Senior Minister
Tammy Pollock Director of Youth Ministries
Keith Byrd Alternative Music Leader
Zakiyyah Niang, vocals
Ahmad Johnson, vocals
Rodney Archie, vocals
Doug Wright bass
Jacob Anflick, drums
WELCOME!
The congregation and staff of Centenary welcome you to today’s worship.
It is our honor to have you with us! Our ministers, staff, welcome team and ushers are happy to assist you with any questions you may have. We hope our worship will inspire, comfort and challenge you as we hear God’s message proclaimed through preaching, music, prayer and liturgy.
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT CENTENARY
• Worship • 9:00 am • Memorial Auditorium
• Worship • 11:00 am • Sanctuary
• Sunday School for all Ages • 9:45AM or 10:00AM (Based on Classes & Ministry Area)
• Nursery is available for infants through pre-kindergarteners during both worship services and Sunday school on the first floor of the East Building.
MEMBERSHIP
We are eager to share Centenary’s story with you. If you are interested in learning about church membership, please contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck (336-724-6311 ext. 1357/ ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org) to schedule a time to meet.
WATCH
Each Sunday morning, our 11:00 am worship service is broadcast on the Internet through our Live Stream. Visit www.centenary-ws.org. Once there, click on the Live Stream link at the top of the home page.
HEARING LOOP
Our Sanctuary is fitted with a Hearing Loop system. Please switch your hearing device to T-coil. If you need a listening device, please contact one of our ushers. Be sure to sit in the pews located on the floor of the Nave.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTENARY
There is always something happening at Centenary and we invite you to join us. To learn more about Centenary ministries and events, visit our website at www.centenary-ws.org. You may also contact our receptionist who will guide you to the appropriate ministry area.
STAY CONNECTED
Reception Desk • 336-724-6311
CENTENARY LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS
336.724.6311 + Extension (for the Minister on Call • Option 2)
Reverend Lara “Willis” Greene ext. 1362 Senior Minister wgreene@centenary-ws.org
Mary Ann Wexler ext. 1346 Executive Director mwexler@centenary-ws.org
Jonathan Emmons ext. 1339 Director of Music & Arts jemmons@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Oliver Helsabeck ext. 1357 Associate Minister for Congregational Care ohelsabeck@centenary-ws.org
Reverend Kate May ext. 1331 Associate Minister with Children kmay@centenary-ws.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS • DECEMBER 21, 2025
Learn more and register for events at www.centenary-ws.org/church-event or scan our QR code.
Eat, Learn, Grow:
CHRISTMAS EVE AT CENTENARY
9:30AM
Pre-School Pajama Party • Community Room
1:00PM
Candlelight Worship & Communion • Sanctuary
4:00PM
Children’s Christmas Eve Worship • Sanctuary
6:00PM
Candlelight Worship & Communion • Auditorium
11:00PM
Candlelight Worship & Communion • Sanctuary
2025 ADVENT OFFERING: SHARE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A NEW WAY
Our community is facing urgent challenges related to food insecurity, and we feel called to respond in a meaningful way. We are inviting our congregation to direct any special contributions to our Advent Offering, benefitting Loaves & Fishes. The Christmas Eve offerings will also go to Loaves & Fishes. To give, please visit the Centenary website. Click on the Give Tab and select Give Now. Be sure to select “Advent Offering” from the drop-down menu.
ADULT FORMATION
Thrive! Women’s Retreat
April 24–26, 2026 • Lake Junaluska
If you haven’t registered for the 2026 Women’s Retreat, now is the time! This special weekend is designed for women of all ages to step away from daily routines, rest, and reconnect with God and one another. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene, Centenary’s Senior Minister, will lead us in exploring what it means to cultivate a thriving spiritual life. The Early Bird Registration Discount ends on January 15. Scan the QR code above to see more information and to register.
The Enneagram & Spiritual Growth
Every Other Tuesday • January 27- April 21 Noon to 1:00PM
Another Eat, Learn, Grow small group is forming soon to discuss the Enneagram and spiritual growth. This is a repeat of the fall group content. The registration fee includes seven boxed lunches, and participants need to purchase The Enneagram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele. Please use the QR code at the top of the page to register as soon as possible as space is limited. Facilitated by Nancy Powell.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Save our Summer 2026 Dates!
Vacation Bible School: June 15-18
Camp Tekoa: July 5-11
Music & Arts Camp: July 13-16
Older Elementary Mission Week: July 21-23
Preschool Pajama Party
December 24 • 9:30AM • Community Room
Activities, storytelling, music, snack and more for our preschoolers (geared toward ages 2-5) and their families! Wear your pajamas and join us as we celebrate Christmas Eve morning the preschool way!
Angel Tree: Thank you!
Thank you so much for participating in the 2025 Angel Tree. We were able to provide Angel Tree gifts for 334 kids who are a part of either El Aposento Alto, Marvin UMC, Winston-Salem Street School, or one of the many Crossnore campuses. Whether you shopped, donated, wrapped, or prayed, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Mother/Son Bowling
Sunday • January 11 • 2:30PM-4:30PM
We hope mothers and sons of all ages will join us at Bowlero for bowling, arcade games, snacks, and dessert! $10/person, register by January 5 through the QR code above.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
A Service for Hope and Healing
Shining Light on Mental Health Peer Connectors
If you experience a crisis of mental health, it’s important to know you are not alone. Our Peer Connector Ministry establishes a confidential connection between you and someone with similar experiences. Peer Connectors serve as supportive friends and listening ears, can provide prayerful, emotional support, and can help to direct you to additional support or resources. Send a confidential message to Rev. Oliver Helsabeck, and he will connect you with a Peer Connector.
Refresh
Wednesdays • Noon-12:45PM • Sanctuary
The Refresh Prayer Ministry invites you to be refreshed in a mid-week service of worship, reflection, and prayer in a sacred space. Parking is available in the Fifth Street parking lot; enter from the Fifth Street entrance to the Sanctuary. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck or Becky Tate.
MUSIC & ARTS
Art in the Atrium: All Things Bright & Beautiful, a Neighborhood Showcase
Now – January 8 • Atrium & 4 ½ St. Galleries
Music & Arts’ annual community exhibit is open and filled with art from all age groups! The show spans both the Atrium and 4 ½ Street Galleries. 10% of all art sales will be donated to the Winston-Salem Street School. We hope you will take a moment to appreciate our community’s artistic talents!
Sign Up Now for Children’s Music & Arts Camp
July 13 - 16, 2026
Register now for CMA Camp 2026! Open to ages 4 through rising 5th graders, this funfilled week features singing, handbells, art, Kindermusik, and more! The highlight of Camp each year is the camper-led worship service that concludes our week together. Register now via the Announcements QR code for a special early bird discount! For more information, please contact Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@ centenary-ws.org).
Children’s CAE Continues in January
SENIOR ADULTS
Luncheon
Thursday • January 15 • Noon • Auditorium Start off 2026 with Senior Adult Ministries for our January Senior Adult Luncheon! January’s guest speaker will be our own Doug Peninger, Centenary’s Director of Communication. We gather at 11:45 am and lunch will be served at noon. To register, send an email to seniorlunch@ centenary-ws.org or call the church office during business hours. Luncheon cost is $10.00 and the signup deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 7. If you need a ride to the luncheon, please let Rev. Oliver Helsabeck know. The Senior Adult Council will meet briefly in the choir room at 11:00 before the luncheon.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Centenary ornaments can be purchased and picked up now in time for holiday gift giving. You can purchase your ornament through our website at centenary-ws.org by selecting the Give tab then Give Now and enter the purchase price ($40 per ornament) and select Miscellaneous for the Fund. Please reach out Susan Grubbs at shgrubbs4@gmail.com to arrange pickup.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Confirmation 2026
Wednesdays • January 9-May 13
6:00PM-7:30PM • Youth Commons
We invite all 7th graders to join our Confirmation class as we learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual life. Throughout Confirmation, our hope is that you will encounter Jesus in a very real way, and that your experience changes the way you live your life! Registration is now open via Realm. If you have any questions, contact Tammy Pollock
“Simplify” Christmas Coffeehouse Tonight • December 21 • 5:00PM-7:00PM 4th Floor & Youth Commons
Tammy Pollock ext. 1337 Director of Youth Ministries tpollock@centenary-ws.org
Stacy Holley ext. 1359 Executive Assistant sholley@centenary-ws.org
John Markle ext. 1347 Director of Operations jmarkle@centenary-ws.org
Doug Peninger ext. 1368 Director of Communication dpeninger@centenary-ws.org
John Rogers ext. 1356 Director of Information Technology jrogers@centenary-ws.org
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
646 W. FIFTH STREET • WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101 WWW.CENTENARY-WS.ORG • 336-724-6311
Women’s Wednesday Sermon Study
1st & 3rd Wednesdays • 9:30AM • Room 112
Twice a month, this group convenes to reflect upon the sermon themes and topics from the Centenary pulpit. Our fellowship will resume on January 7 and continue through May. If you would like more information or want to be a part of this exciting discussion group, please contact Sue Stephens or Tammy Pollock.
Tonight • December 21 • 5:00PM • Sanctuary Christmas is a season filled with joy and warmth, but for some, it can be a reminder of loss. Whether you are grieving someone you love, a lost opportunity, a strained relationship, stress about current events, or just having a hard time when others are celebrating, our Service for Hope and Healing can be a safe space for remembrance, prayer, Holy Communion, and healing on the longest night. Virginia Sheffield and Jonathan Emmons will provide worship music. Join us for an intimate evening where we can acknowledge our grief and yet embrace hope together. For more information, contact Rev. Oliver Helsabeck.
Children’s Creative Arts Experience is looking for new friends to join us in 2026! Programming includes activities for children ages 2 through 5th grade. CAE’s multi-faceted model engages children with various levels of musical and artistic interests, all while cultivating more worship leadership opportunities for Centenary’s youngest! Current participants need not register again. Email Virginia Sheffield (vsheffield@centenary-ws.org) to register!
Join the Chancel Choir in 2026
Looking to begin the year in the spirit of service?
Join us as we kick off 2026 with our annual January Jumpstart (1/9 & 10), which will include preparation of music for Lent, Easter and more!
Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:00 pm. Come be a part of a growing and vibrant community of song! Contact Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music & Arts, with questions or for more information.
Do you play an instrument, sing, write poetry or spoken-word? Come share your gift with everyone over a cup of hot cocoa and yummy Christmas treats at Youth Ministry’s first ever, Christmas Coffeehouse open mic and reunion of the former “Simplify” Worship band. Friends and family are welcome, and no registration is required! If you have any questions, contact Kevin Garrity (kgarrity@centenary-ws.org/ 336.724.6311 ext. 1349).
Youth & Youth Alumni Basketball Game
December 28 • 3:00PM-5:00PM
William G. White YMCA
We are so excited to host our 2nd annual allyouth & youth-parents’ scrimmage! If you are a member (or former member) of our Twin City team, if you like basketball, or if you just want to play some pick-up, then come out for what is sure to be a fun afternoon of church-ball.
All-Youth Ice Skating
January 4 • 1:15PM-3:30PM • Fairgrounds Arena Meet us at the rink for an afternoon of ice skating! Cost is $15 per person -- which includes skate rental and a pizza lunch. Friends are welcome, but please register them ahead of time. You can register via the QR Code above, or through the Youth Ministry weekly email. Questions, contact Kevin Garrity.